Jon mallo | Ward 4
About
Jon Mallo was born and raised in Mason City, Iowa, receiving his high school diploma from Mason City High School. Jon’s mother left home and family when he was two years old: leaving him and his sister to be raised by one parent. Due to diminished income level, Jon’s father worked two jobs at times to make ends meet. His grandparents lived next door. Grandma Myrna played a significant role in Jon’s upbringing, serving as his mother figure growing up. Sports and good friends helped keep Jon out of trouble. He knows firsthand the possible struggles of a single parent household. This experience shaped Jon’s current interest in low-income families and affordable housing. His favorite saying in this regard is “everyone needs a place to call home”.
Thanks to a government loan Jon was able to continue his education at the University of Iowa’s School of Business in Iowa City. He earned a BBA degree in Finance and Insurance. Jon proudly recalls an early lesson in budgetary responsibility as he was solely responsible for this loan and paid off $60 monthly payments in ten years. It doesn’t seem like much now but it was a lot of money to him in the 1970’s and 1980’s.
Photo: Jon and Kathy on a hike in the Telluride area
Following college graduation Jon returned to his hometown of Mason City and worked a summer at his uncle’s auto parts store delivering parts. The goal was to live at home and save enough money to move to a larger city where he could start his career in business. He settled on Cedar Rapids mostly due to its proximity to Iowa City where he had tickets for the upcoming Iowa Hawkeye football season. That was especially important for the young alumna! Go Hawks! Luckily, he landed a job with a local insurance company as an underwriter. The new job entailed three months of training which coincided perfectly with the length of the football season (2-9 record). He was grateful for the education and start of his career at Iowa National. [Underwriting is the process to determine a level of risk and under what conditions the risk is assumed. Underwriting services are provided by insurance companies whereby they guarantee payment in case of damage or financial loss.]
Photo: Mallo "children". From left, Drew, Kaity, and Ross
In 1981 Jon answered an ad in the newspaper (ads were in the paper-paper then!) for an underwriting position at The Hartford. A few months into the job he was promoted to underwriting supervisor. Three years later, at age 28, Hartford offered a full managerial opportunity in Minneapolis, Minnesota.Prior to accepting the move to Minnesota, Jon received a promise: if he performed well, he would not have to remain in the northern climate where it seems frigid winters last for nine months. The promise was honored with relocation to the Denver office in 1987. Jon is thankful Hartford was his employer for 13 years--giving him a solid managerial base.
In the 1980’s and 1990’s there were many insurance company consolidations and closures. Jon was impacted by this phenomenon: within 10 years he went from USF&G to St. Paul to Kemper to Swiss Re. All positions were in management.
Photo: Wedding bells for Ross
In 1981 Jon answered an ad in the newspaper (ads were in the paper-paper then!) for an underwriting position at The Hartford. A few months into the job he was promoted to underwriting supervisor. Three years later, at age 28, Hartford offered a full managerial opportunity in Minneapolis, Minnesota.Prior to accepting the move to Minnesota, Jon received a promise: if he performed well, he would not have to remain in the northern climate where it seems frigid winters last for nine months. The promise was honored with relocation to the Denver office in 1987. Jon is thankful Hartford was his employer for 13 years--giving him a solid managerial base.
In the 1980’s and 1990’s there were many insurance company consolidations and closures. Jon was impacted by this phenomenon: within 10 years he went from USF&G to St. Paul to Kemper to Swiss Re. All positions were in management.
Fortunately, Jon’s last company relocation turned out to be the finest. He was hired as program manager at Swiss Re, an international reinsurance powerhouse located in Zurich, Switzerland. After 20 years of managing commercial underwriting professionals, his new role managed businesses-well suited for his extensive expertise.
Photo: Jon catches the Big One
Fast forward a few years … Jon was recruited to vice president level as a senior underwriting auditor. Job responsibility required travel throughout the world and US, planning and executing audits of an interesting array of clients. To complete these audits, analysis of financials and underwriting thoroughness of all types: small local businesses to Fortune 500 companies. Additionally, several small to large municipalities were audited—solid preparation for a unique viewpoint on any city council. Jon retired in May of 2021 as vice president and senior auditor logging 18 years with Swiss Re, 43 years industry total.Personally, Jon and his wife Kathy have been married for 36 years. They have three grown children together: Kaity, Drew, and Ross. All were born in Colorado and live here today. Jon’s hobbies include golf, fishing, hiking, and sampling our local craft beers. Since moving back to Colorado in 2008, his wife Kathy has worked for Interweave (a craft niche magazine and book publisher), then two and a half years employed at the Loveland Public Library. Volunteering in our community is a priority. Habitat build sites and fund raisers, as well as in three different organizations under the House of Neighborly Services umbrella. She is a knitter and has made scores of breast prosthetics for Knitted Knockers. Current commitments are to the Food Bank for Larimer County: Loveland Food Share and Pathways. These last two non-profits grab at her heart so she plans to volunteer till they kick her out.
Photo: Jack and Darla, our furry children